Overview of Samoa

Profile

With vibrant lagoons framed by coral reefs and a green interior covered in evergreen forests, the traditional 'Fa'a Samoa (Samoan way)' lifestyle still remains strong. Although the population is small at about 220,000, connections with the Samoan diaspora spread worldwide support the economy and culture. The official languages are Samoan and English. On weekends, a relaxed time centered on church and family flows, and the sight of people in colorful lavalava is characteristic.

Official name: Independent State of Samoa
Common name: Samoa
Numeric code: 882
Alpha-3 code: WSM
Alpha-2 code: WS
Population: 220,000 (2023)
Population density: 75
Primary languages: Samoan, English
Major religions: Christianity
National anthem: The Banner of Freedom
Calling code: +685
Internet TLD: .ws

History

It became the stage of German, British, and American power struggles in the 19th century and was placed under New Zealand's trusteeship after World War I, but achieved independence in 1962 as the first Polynesian nation.

In the late 19th century, Western powers advanced as a whaling and trade supply point, and in the 1899 tripartite agreement, the islands were divided into German Western Samoa and American Eastern Samoa. After World War I, Western Samoa was placed under League of Nations mandate administration, and then under UN trust administration, under New Zealand's administrative control. Samoans conducted the nonviolent independence movement 'Mau Movement' and achieved sovereignty in 1962 as the first Pacific island nation. The country name was changed to the current 'Independent State of Samoa' in 1997, and unique policies such as the introduction of left-hand traffic in 2009 and the movement of the International Date Line in 2011 have been topics.

Geography & climate

Two major islands and atolls of volcanic origin line up, with coasts featuring lagoons and coral reefs, and the central area covered in evergreen rainforest dotted with mountains and waterfalls

Tropical Rainforest Climate

Area: Oceania / 2935 km²
Capital: Apia
Largest city: Apia
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fishery resources, Coconut, Cacao, Taro, Tropical timber, Tourism resources, Hydropower potential, Geothermal energy, Volcanic fertile soil, Tuna, Coral reefs

Politics

Government: Elective Constitutional Head of State with Parliamentary System

Economy

Currency: Samoan Tala (WST)

GDP (nominal): 1.1 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 2 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Samoan, English

Time zone: WSST, WSDT

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Samoan, Samoan mixed, European descent, Chinese descent, Other Polynesian

Life expectancy

73.3 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Rugby Union, Cricket (Kilikiti), Soccer, Netball, Rugby League